It was tears, as United States Army, family and friends on Saturday December 14, 2019 paid their last respect to Military veteran, late Lt. Col Valerie Doughty-Iyawe, wife of U.S.-based Nigerian American businessman, Mr. Roy Iyawe, who succumbed to the will of God on December 6, 2019 at the age of 60.
Funeral service in her honor was held on Friday December 13, 2019, starting with viewing, followed by service at the Greater Framingham Community Church, 44 Franklin Street Framingham, Massachusetts.
On Saturday December 14, 2019, her remains were committed to mother earth, in accordance with the Christian traditions at the Edgell Grove Cemetery & Mausoleum, 53 Grove Street, Framingham, Massachusetts.
Members of the Nigerian/African community and friends in Boston joined the family to celebrate Valerie’s life, full of monumental accomplishments and say final goodbye.
Late Valerie Doughty-Iyawe leaves many fond memories to be shared by her husband Roy Iyawe; two sons, David Rashad Doughty and Peter Darius Iyawe; two grand-children: David Rashad Doughty Jr. and Bria Danielle Iyawe; three sisters: Beverly (Johnnie) Morant, Abigail Doughty, and Vera Doughty (Lyles Williams); two brothers: Charles (Noreen) Doughty and Gregory (Wilhelmenia) Doughty; second mother, Emmy Carty; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, co-workers, church members and best friends.
Born on April 7, 1959, in Columbia, South Carolina to David and Geneva Doughty, Valerie was the seventh of eight children. She graduated from Dreher High School in 1977 and attended South Carolina State University; receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1982.
She enlisted in the United States Army and attended Officer Candidate School. In 1985, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and while active duty, she completed two tours one in the state of Virginia and the second in Germany.
She was also a veteran of the Gulf War. In 1992, she joined the United States Army Reserve and also taught Military Science while continuing her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2002 and in 2003, she retired from the United States Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In addition, she received a Master of Business Administration from Nichols College while working 20 years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Registered Nurse and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program Coordinator.
Valerie was praised for her superior leadership and many Achievements which included the Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing.
In 2016, she began a Ph.D. in nursing program with the University of Massachusetts. In honor of her commitment to being a scholar, the University will award her a posthumous certificate of achievement for her outstanding work in the nursing industry.
She had a love for people, service, and education; one of her favorite quotes was “everything is possible for one who believes.” In 1979, she met her soulmate Roy Iyawe in South Carolina and they begin a life of happiness together.
In 1986, they married in Nashville, Tennessee and later relocated to Germany. In 1989, they moved to Massachusetts to continue raising their family. They have three sons together, David Rashad Doughty, Peter Darius Iyawe, and the late Paul Daniel Iyawe.
Roy and Valerie’s relationship was a true partnership. They supported each other through it all; no matter the career move or business idea; they conquered it together.
Valerie was a Christian woman and an active member of Greater Framingham Community Church in Massachusetts. She served on the health ministry within the church and was a leader within the congregation.
She also spent her summers volunteering with vacation bible school GFCC. Her love for travel ran deep and when you glance at her passport, it is filled with stamps from places such as London, Paris, Germany, Japan, and Nigeria to name a few.
She was selfless and truly enjoyed loving on her family and friends. She was every person’s biggest supporter and she preached that you educate yourself, take care of your health, and know the Lord.
Our Gratitude
We, the family of Valerie Doughty Iyawe, wish to thank you for the wonderful acts of love and kindness rendered during this time.
May God bless each of you!
Memorials and Donations can be made to:
Greater Framingham Community Church.
